As expected, Texas A&M quarterback Johnny Manziel, the 2012 Heisman Trophy winner, is forgoing his junior and senior seasons with the Aggies to declare for the 2014 NFL draft. Manziel made the decision official on Wednesday after reports of him signing with an agent and LeBron James' marketing firm on Tuesday. Manziel filed his declaration papers in the morning, according to NFL.com's Gil Brandt.

To be clear, Manziel has officially submitted declaration papers to #NFL for inclusing in 2014 draft, part of record 80 underclassmen.

“After long discussions with my family, friends, teammates, and coaches, I have decided to make myself available for the 2014 NFL Draft," Manziel said. "The decision was not an easy one, but we all felt this was the right time to make the next step toward a professional career. My experiences here and the support of this school, Coach (Kevin) Sumlin, Chancellor (John) Sharp, my teammates, my classmates and Aggie football fans everywhere will be something that I carry with me for the rest of my life. I’ll always be an Aggie.”

Manziel is bound to be the most scrutnized and most intriguing prospect in the strong QB class. Although he has stiff competition high in the first round, including fellow underclassmen Teddy Bridgewater (Louisville) and Blake Bortles (Central Florida), Manziel is expected be a top-10 overall pick.

It's more likely Manziel becomes a top-5 overall pick. Although there are questions of Manziel, listed at a generous 6-1, 210, being undersized and lacking ideal technique, he has a wow factor that can't be denied. His dazzling athleticism allows him to make big plays with his arm and his feet, tailored to the NFL trend of an explosive dual threat. Russell Wilson, with improvisational skils Manziel also possesses, has turned into an elite talent for the Seattle Seahawks. There's strong evidence Manziel, the Heisman Trophy winner in the 2012 season, can be just as thrilling.

He is the best quarterback to ever wear an Aggies' uniform, setting school records in passing yards, passing touchdowns and total offense in 2013 when he amassed 4,873 total yards. He's not a wild gun-slinger, either, as his school-record 69.9 completion percentage attests.

The Jacksonville Jaguars (No. 2), Cleveland Browns (No. 4) and Minnesota Vikings (No. 8) seem like the best possible destinations. The Houston Texans could use a QB at No. 1, but even with Manziel's Texas background, Bridgewater is a better overall prospect.